Wednesday, 10 August 2016

Ode to the Holy Ganga

Hail to you, O holy Ganga - Merely a river you never have been Darling daughter of the mighty Himalaya And a doting mother to countless children How you descend from heavenly heights Like a sportive, lively young girl Out on a delightful adventure spree Ever in search of fun and pleasure. From your snow capped pristine abode You rush out carving your own free route Skipping gleefully on mountainous rocks Jumping daringly into dangerous ravines. Traversing through thick alpine forests And rough, unfriendly, tough terrains Emerging cheerfully safe out again Filling the environs with innocent laughter *************************************

The childlike mirth and merry movementSlowly gives way to mature gesturesWhen as a lady of elegance and grace You enter new regions of plain landscapes.

And thus you continue your eventful journeyOf more than a thousand miles to cover With grace and charm and elegance you flow.Before final plunge into the great ocean All along this long trajectoryYou dole out your gifts to all liberally Millions of life forms living on the banks Benefiting even those who are out of scene. Since time immemorial in the remote past You have been nurturing this land of oursMaking it beautiful, civilised and rich With treasures of great spiritual wealth.I bow to you, O gracious Goddess With deep reverence and gratitude Pray go on blessing us with your kind favours As you have been doing for countless ages.